Jeremy Clarkson Forced to Cull Beloved Diddly Squat Cow After TB Outbreak
TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson has been left heartbroken after being forced to euthanize the first calf ever born on his Diddly Squat Farm, following an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in the Cotswolds.
“So Sad”: Clarkson’s Emotional Tribute
The Clarkson’s Farm star revealed the devastating news on Instagram, sharing a photo of the animal alongside a heartfelt caption.
“This was the first calf ever born on Diddly Squat,” Clarkson wrote. “And this morning she was destroyed, while pregnant with twins, because she has TB. So sad.”
The cow was reportedly infected earlier this summer, and veterinary tests confirmed she was carrying twin calves at the time of her death.
A Farm Hit by Hardship
The tragedy marks another blow for Diddly Squat Farm, Clarkson’s 1,000-acre Oxfordshire property that has been at the centre of his hit Prime Video series.
The show documents the former Top Gear presenter’s transformation into a farmer — battling bureaucracy, unpredictable weather, and now, the devastating effects of animal disease.
Clarkson recently described 2025 as his “worst year ever”, citing a “shocking” harvest brought on by droughts and record-breaking heatwaves across the UK.
Bovine TB: A Farmer’s Worst Nightmare
Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis. It remains one of the most serious threats to British agriculture, often leading to mandatory culling of infected cattle.
According to DEFRA, between October 2021 and September 2022, more than 22,900 cows were culled in England due to bTB outbreaks.
The disease can also affect badgers, deer, goats, and pigs, making containment difficult.
Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon TD warned earlier this year that bTB is creating “emotional and financial hardship for an increasing number of farm families,” calling for “decisive action.”
A Controversial Debate Over Badger Culls
Efforts to control the disease have sparked ongoing debate. Government officials argue that badger culling helps stop the spread, while animal welfare groups strongly disagree.
A 2022 government-commissioned report concluded that culling badgers did not lead to a significant reduction in cattle infections.
In response, the RSPCA called for an immediate halt to the cull. Despite this, new culling rounds were approved in 2025, before being abruptly scrapped following a policy review.
Since the programme began 12 years ago, an estimated 240,000 badgers have been killed — including 10,769 in the past year alone.
Clarkson’s Expanding Empire — and Possible Farewell
Clarkson bought his Cotswolds farm in 2008, taking over full management himself in 2019 after his local farmer retired. His journey — equal parts chaos and comedy — quickly became one of Prime Video’s most-watched shows.
In 2024, he added to his growing rural ventures by purchasing The Windmill pub in nearby Asthall, now known as The Farmer’s Dog.
However, the TV star has since suggested that he’s ready to step back from business. Speaking to The Times, he said:
“I am not motivated by money. I just want a good craic. I’m done with business — I don’t understand it.”
He also hinted that the forthcoming fifth season of Clarkson’s Farm could be the last.
“I’d do a sixth if there was a bloody good story,” he said in May. “But we’ll definitely take a short break — the crews are all worn out.”
Heartbreak Amid Success
For all of Clarkson’s fame and success, this latest setback shows the emotional toll of real farming life — where triumph and tragedy often coexist.
As fans continue to flock to Diddly Squat Farm and his Clarkson’s Farm series dominates streaming charts, the man once known for racing cars has once again shown that life in the fields is anything but easy.
